State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
Security Guard Salary (2026): Data, Outlook & How to Become One
Security Guards earn a median of $38,020 per year ($18.28/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 0.4% through 2034, with about 161,000 openings a year (BLS EP, 2024–2034). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
SOC 33-9032Protective ServiceLast updated August 23, 2026
- Median pay
- $38,020
- Projected growth
- +0.4%
- Openings a year
- 161,000
- Typical education
- High school
BLS OEWS, May 2025
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
BLS EP, 2024–2034
Also advertised as: Armed Security Officer, Campus Security Officer (CSO), Custom Protection Officer (CPO), Customer Service Security Officer, Hotel Security Officer, Loss Prevention Officer.
How much do Security Guards make?
10th percentile$30,210
Entry / lowest-paid tenth
25th percentile$35,210
Lower quartile
Median (50th)$38,020
Half earn more, half earn less
75th percentile$46,200
Upper quartile
90th percentile$58,840
Top-paid tenth
| Median annual wage | $38,020 |
|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $18.28/hr |
| Mean annual wage | $42,470 |
| People employed | 1,283,470 |
Versus all US occupations
At $38,020, Security Guards earn 25% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $12,960 a year.
Versus protective service occupations
Inside the Protective Service group, where the middle occupation pays $59,110, this is 36% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $58,840 or more while the bottom 10% earn $30,210, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 7% of the 923 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
District of Columbia pays the most at $64,210, and still leads at $58,425 once local prices are taken into account.
Which states pay Security Guards the most?
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $64,210 | $58,425 | 15,880 |
| Alaska | $47,480 | $46,386 | 2,100 |
| Washington | $47,100 | $44,013 | 25,800 |
| Vermont | $45,550 | $46,500 | 930 |
| Oregon | $45,500 | $44,020 | 12,200 |
| New Hampshire | $45,200 | $43,393 | 2,450 |
| Colorado | $45,150 | $43,813 | 16,890 |
| Massachusetts | $44,670 | $42,238 | 23,930 |
| New York | $44,240 | $40,993 | 134,700 |
| Virginia | $43,640 | $43,163 | 34,870 |
Is Security Guard a growing career?
Security Guards0.4%
All US occupations3.1%
+0.4% projected growth vs 3.1% for all occupations.
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Security Guards to change 0.4% over 2024–2034, against 3.1% projected for all occupations. That is 5,100 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 161,000 openings are projected each year, 12.8% of the 1,262,100 jobs that existed in 2024. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of security guards and gambling surveillance officers is projected to decline 0 percent from 2024 to 2034.
Despite declining employment, about 162,300 openings for security guards and gambling surveillance officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Security guards will continue to be needed to protect both people and property because of concerns about crime and vandalism.
How to become a Security Guard
Most people assume security guard work is unregulated. It is not: most states require security guards to be licensed or registered by the state, and the registration for an unarmed guard is a materially different and far easier thing than the separate permit needed to carry a firearm. The basic qualifications are usually being at least 18, passing a background check and completing training. Armed positions carry more stringent background checks and entry requirements, and are typically 21 and up with their own firearms permit, training hours and periodic requalification.
The credential path, step by step
- Check whether your state registers guards, and register
Most states require security guards to be licensed by the state in which they work. Basic qualifications are generally being at least 18 years old, passing a background check, and completing training. Some states and gaming facilities require a minimum age of 21 to work in a casino, and some jobs also require a driver's licence.
- Clear the criminal history check
Expect fingerprinting processed through both the state and the FBI. California, for example, requires Live Scan fingerprinting submitted on the Bureau's own guard-specific form, with the applicant paying the Live Scan, state Department of Justice and FBI processing fees at the time of fingerprinting, and allows roughly four to six weeks for the application to be processed.
- Complete the pre-assignment training
Many states recommend around 8 hours of pre-assignment training, 8 to 16 hours of on-the-job training and 8 hours of annual training. California is more prescriptive: the Power to Arrest training must be completed before a guard registration is issued, and 32 hours of security officer skills training must follow within the first six months of registration, with 16 of those hours inside the first 30 days of employment.
- Start work while the card is in the post, if your state allows it
This is the practical detail that decides when you can actually start earning. In California a guard must carry a valid registration card on duty, but a person may work pending receipt of the hard-copy card if the Bureau has approved them and they carry a printout of that approval from the Bureau's website together with valid photo identification.
- Add an armed endorsement only if you want armed work
This is a separate credential with much stricter standards, not an upgrade to your guard card. In California an exposed firearms permit requires US citizenship or permanent legal immigration status, a minimum age of 21, no state or federal firearms prohibition, an existing guard registration or other qualifying Bureau licence, a criminal history check, the required training courses and examinations, and a pass on an assessment of whether the applicant possesses appropriate judgment, restraint and self-control to carry a firearm on duty. Batons and tear gas each require their own separate permit and training course again.
- How long the training takes
A few weeks: most security guards learn the job in a few weeks of employer-provided training
Gambling surveillance officers and investigators may need several months and typically need prior casino or video-monitoring experience. California's statutory training runs from the Power to Arrest course before registration through 32 hours of skills training in the first six months.
- Continuing education
Required to stay credentialed
Many states expect around 8 hours of annual training. In California 8 hours of continuing training must be completed annually, and a guard registration not renewed within 60 days of expiry is cancelled outright and cannot be renewed, forcing a fresh application. A California exposed firearms permit expires two years from issue, cannot be renewed after expiry at all, and renewal requires four range qualifications across the term, a two-hour use of force and de-escalation review before each of them, and a written firearms examination passed with a score of 85% or higher.
Licensing and state variation
Licensed state by state
Most states require security guards to be licensed or registered by the state where they work, and the specific requirements vary widely: whether unarmed guards are registered at all, how many training hours are mandated and when they must be completed, the minimum age, whether annual continuing training is required, and how armed work is permitted. California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services is the most fully documented example rather than the national rule. Guards who carry weapons usually must be licensed by the appropriate government authority, and most states require rigorous hiring and screening including background, criminal record and fingerprint checks for armed guards.
Who governs the credential
- California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS) — The state regulator that issues California's security guard registration, commonly called the guard card, under the Business and Professions Code. It also issues the separate exposed firearms permit, baton permit and tear gas permit, certifies training facilities and course providers, and can cancel a registration for non-renewal. Named here as a worked example of what state regulation of this occupation looks like, not as a national standard.
Credential detail for security guards is researched by hand from the bodies that issue it, not derived from BLS or O*NET. Sources last checked August 23, 2026. Requirements change: confirm with your own state board before enrolling in anything.
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Security Guards and Gambling Surveillance Officers · checked August 23, 2026
- California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services — Security Guard Registration Fact Sheet · checked August 23, 2026
- California Bureau of Security and Investigative Services — Firearms Permit Fact Sheet · checked August 23, 2026
What the federal data says
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Gambling surveillance officers sometimes need experience with security and video surveillance. Most states require security guards to be licensed by the state, especially if they carry a firearm.
| Typical entry-level education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Preparation needed (O*NET job zone) | Little or no preparation |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Short-term on-the-job training |
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as security guards.
- High School Diploma79.3%
- Some College Courses9.6%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)5.1%
- Post-Secondary Certificate4.2%
- Bachelor's Degree2.0%
What does a Security Guard do?
Guard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity.
Day-to-day tasks
- Monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
- Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
- Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or unusual occurrences.
- Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
- Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
- Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
- Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
- Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers usually work in shifts of about 8 hours, with rotating schedules. Night shifts are common. Most security guards and gambling surveillance officers work full time. Seasonal work may be available during the holidays and during the warmer summer months in some states.
Working with people
- Constant contact with other people
- Dealing with customers or the public is very important
Pressure and stakes
- Handling conflict situations at least monthly
Autonomy
- A lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey, showing only the signals people in the job report decisively one way or the other.
Where security guards work
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | 46% |
|---|---|
| Casino hotels | 22% |
| Gambling industries (except casino hotels) | 20% |
| Administrative and support services | 3% |
| Spectator sports | 2% |
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–2034 edition.
Core skills
- Active Listening3.8/5
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Speaking3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Active Learning2.9/5
- Writing2.8/5
- Learning Strategies2.6/5
Transferable skills
- Coordination3.1/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Persuasion2.9/5
- Service Orientation2.9/5
- Negotiation2.6/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.6/5
- Time Management2.5/5
Tools and software
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Network monitoring software
- Transaction security and virus protection software
- Video conferencing software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
What personality type suits a Security Guard?
Interest profile: O*NET Occupational Interests, scored 1–7
Realisticprimary6.4
Investigative2.3
Artistic1.0
Social2.6
Enterprising2.9
Conventionalprimary4.8
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Security Guard: frequently asked questions
How much do Security Guards make?
Security Guards earn a median of $38,020 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 25% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $18.28/hr. The middle half earn between $35,210 and $46,200. The top 10% earn $58,840 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Security Guard?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Security Guards. BLS also lists short-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 79.3% hold high school diploma.
Is Security Guard a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 0.4% over 2024–2034 against 3.1% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2024–2034). BLS still projects about 161,000 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Security Guard do?
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers protect property against theft, vandalism, and other illegal activity. A core O*NET task: monitor and authorize entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises. Employers most often ask for Document management software, Electronic mail software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Security Guards the most?
The highest state medians for Security Guards are District of Columbia ($64,210), Alaska ($47,480), Washington ($47,100) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Security Guard?
O*NET scores Security Guards highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 923 occupations in the bank.
How long does it take to become a Security Guard?
A few weeks: most security guards learn the job in a few weeks of employer-provided training. Gambling surveillance officers and investigators may need several months and typically need prior casino or video-monitoring experience. California's statutory training runs from the Power to Arrest course before registration through 32 hours of skills training in the first six months.
Do you need a license to work as a Security Guard?
Yes, and it is issued by the state you work in, not nationally. Most states require security guards to be licensed or registered by the state where they work, and the specific requirements vary widely: whether unarmed guards are registered at all, how many training hours are mandated and when they must be completed, the minimum age, whether annual continuing training is required, and how armed work is permitted. California's Bureau of Security and Investigative Services is the most fully documented example rather than the national rule. Guards who carry weapons usually must be licensed by the appropriate government authority, and most states require rigorous hiring and screening including background, criminal record and fingerprint checks for armed guards.